Marrying or remarrying later in life can be very rewarding, but also presents unique challenges that require unselfishness and communication.
Talking Points:
- Be aware of your baggage. You’ve had previous relationships that have shaped you. Be aware of them and make sure you don’t bring bad baggage into this new relationship.
- Navigate competing preferences. You have been used to doing things a certain way but now you need to make some compromises to allow for some of your partner’s preferences, too.
- Clarify expectations about adult children. This can be tricky as you both will naturally prefer your own children. But, it’s important to work together to decide how you will relate to and even assist financially with all of the children.
- Balance your friend groups. Find ways to spend time with all the important friends in your life but recognize that it likely won’t be at the same frequency as it had been before.
- Blend your finances. This is crucial to your relationship moving forward. Avoid needless conflict by establishing values and a budget that will guide you through future financial decisions.
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- What are some examples of the”baggage” couples might face who marry later in life?
- What is your baggage coming into this relationship?
- Do you have any specific ways you like to do things or certain companies you use that you worry about having to change? If so, why?
- Do you have any adult children? How much time do you typically spend with them? How might that change once married?
- What are some ways that one person’s value systems can affect compromises?
- How can healthy compromise on these topics before marriage help you face challenges later in marriage?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
